elgato
Joined: 24 Feb 2005
Posts: 17240
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 11:25 am Post subject: Amazon granted a stalking patent |
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Amazon have just had their “stalking” patent granted in the US. Back in 2007 they submitted a patent for a mobile device to track your movements, predict based on where you’ve been where you’re likely to go next, and then send you adverts for shops, restaurants or other businesses that they think you’re about to pass. If Amazon get the technology right they could possibly figure out where you’re heading before you’ve even decided to go there!
The “System and method for providing advertisement based on mobile device travel patterns” patent was applied for way back in 2007 and granted on 6th December. The patent shows just how far in advance Amazon’s thinking was four years ago and how they plan to break into the paid advertising market.
Now everyone has smart phones and you can be tracked by your mobile whenever it’s switched on. Even if you don’t have GPS enabled or don’t make a call your mobile still checks in with the nearest mobile mast and of course there’s WiFi hotspot triangulation.
It’s not just your mobile phone though – Amazon are happily selling the Kindle, reportedly at a loss. Many retailers have suggested the loss is made up for by future Amazon purchases, but what if the cost of your Kindle is subsidised by tracking your whereabouts to send you paid advertising?
http://tamebay.com/2011/12/amazon-granted-a-stalking-patent.html |
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